Case study ‒ Nonlinear reliability analysis of a concrete bridge

Abstract

Nonlinear analysis is recently well-established methodology for safety assessment of bridge structures. Efficient techniques of both nonlinear numerical analysis of concrete structures and advanced stochastic simulation methods have been combined in order to offer an advanced tool for assessment of realistic behavior of concrete structures and reliability assessment. As an application example the nonlinear reliability analysis of a reinforced concrete bridge (2-2043-15 E4 Kristineberg) in Stockholm has been performed. Simulated results are compared with the results from deterministic nonlinear analysis and from experiments. The utilized approach is based on randomization of the nonlinear fracture mechanics finite element analysis of concrete structures. Theoretical as well as practical application issues will be presented emphasizing key points of the solution.